You have done it again and now you are short on time. Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8, and you still haven’t bought the perfect gift for your dear mum. Instead of heading to the nearest store to pick up a Hallmark card, swap it with these simple and touching gestures to show your love for your mother.

Take her out for breakfast

You can’t go wrong with this one. It may seem like something you do every year, but it never gets old. Choose a cute cafe in the neighbourhood, snag a reservation and treat her to a sumptuous meal. There is nothing better for your mum than starting her morning with a delicious cup of coffee, sunny side eggs, sausages and some waffles.

Cook a meal

Here’s something better than taking your mum out for a meal. Cook one for her instead! Go for something basic such as pancakes, bagels and a glass of freshly squeezed juice; your mum will appreciate waking up to a hot meal prepared by you. But if you trust your cooking skills, whip up an elaborate dinner complete with dessert and, of course, some wine.

Spa day

Being a mother is hard work. Between all the cooking, cleaning, and handling a full-time job, she barely finds time to unwind. Make this Mother’s Day extra special by pampering her. Either gift an at-home spa package complete with essential oils, bath salts, scrubs, fresh flowers and scented candles, or get a gift card from the local spa where she can opt for a day of massages, steams and mud baths.

Bake for her

Show your love for your mother by baking her favourite treats. Look up for easy recipes online or refer to your mother’s reliable cookbook, make sure you have the essential ingredients and celebrate the day with indulgent brownies, cupcakes, cookies, muffins or pies!

Get creative

Whether it is a handwritten letter or an elaborate scrapbook, mothers always appreciate personalised gifts. Remember your first drawing that she proudly displayed on the refrigerator? So get a little creative and make customised gifts such as candle art, handmade cards, and painted tea cups or go down memory lane by making a Polaroid album.

Plan a movie night

Take your mum out for a movie or plan a movie night at home. Get into your comfortable pjs, make a big bucket of fresh stovetop popcorn and watch her favourite flicks. Plan a movie marathon for your film buff mother with Mother’s Day classics such as Blind Side, My Sister’s Keeper, Flight Plan, Mrs Doubtfire and Erin Brockovich.

Box of truffles + flowers

A box of truffles and a pretty bunch of carnations can make any woman’s day. Check out online stores that have great offers and a variety of chocolate bouquets that can be delivered home. Or head to your nearest florist to pick out the perfect bunch of flowers, pack a box of chocolates and surprise your mum on her special day.